Country Roads of Portugal (Classic, Summer, 11 Days)
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on an unforgettable multi-day tour through the heart of Portugal, a land rich in history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes. From the vibrant streets of Lisbon to the serene waters of Lake Alqueva, this journey offers a perfect blend of guided sightseeing, leisure time, and unique experiences. Savor local delicacies, explore UNESCO World Heritage sites, and immerse yourself in the charm of picturesque towns and cities. With comfortable accommodations and expert guides, this tour promises an enriching and memorable adventure.
Included
10 night accommodation
3 Dinner with Wine (DW)
10 Breakfast (B)
1 Lunch with Wine (LW)
1 Lunch (L)
Lisbon: Join your Travel Director at 18:00 for a Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant and the opportunity to mingle with your fellow travellers.
Monsaraz: Enjoy a memorable Alentejo Highlight Lunch at local restaurant Sem Fim, once an olive mill. Indulge in dish-after-dish of the tastiest tapas in a vibrant setting.
Pinhao: Enjoy a wonderful Farm-to-Table dinner, freshly prepared from locally sourced ingredients.
Porto: Shared experiences and memories are often the foundation for special bonds and friendships. Toast your travels with wine and good cheer during your Celebration Dinner at a restaurant in Porto, devoted to the enjoyment of regional cooking.
Choose between two carefully selected activities
Porto: Enjoy a panoramic drive through historic avenues and past exquisite tiled facades.
Porto: Visit the São Bento Railway Station and walk on the Dom Luís I Bridge, spanning the Douro River and connecting the cities of Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia.
Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
Monsaraz: Join a local boat captain for a tranquil cruise on Lake Alqueva. Relax and enjoy calming waters, picturesque views and tales of river life.
Évora: During a wine tasting session, appreciate the delicate yet complex nuances of Alentejo wine, and learn how the Relvas family has been managing to keep low water consumption, reforestation of indigenous trees, and providing scholarships to children of the village. This experience advances United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and production. With a 30% reduction in water use and innovative water management systems in place, they have been integrating science technology to ensure genuine production processes in all their activities.
Lisbon: Explore with your Local Expert, from the Lower Town, beneath the hilltop Bairro Alto to the Terreiro do Paco. Visit the Belém Quarter to see the modern Monument to the Discoveries and the medieval Belém Tower.
Lisbon: Visit the cloisters of Jerónimos Monastery with its beautiful Manueline architecture, reflecting Portugal's trade over the centuries and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Évora: Explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site guided by your Local Expert and see the famous Roman Temple. While sightseeing, witness the fascinating cathedral and be charmed by its mix of Romanesque and Gothic architecture.
Monsaraz: Surrounded by cork oaks and vineyards, wander through the castle ruins to admire the incredible view over the Spanish plains that contrast with the blue of one of Europe's largest artificial lakes.
Tomar: Dominating the town is the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Templar Castle and the Convent of Christ. During your visit with a Local Expert, see the Manueline Window and follow the story of the mysterious Knights Templar.
Tomar: Learn about the history of the town through its architectural influences as you take a tour guided by a Local Expert.
Tomar: Guided by your Local Expert, visit the Synagogue of Tomar, one of the best preserved medieval synagogues in Portugal.
Fátima: Join the faithful at one of the world's holiest sites and pay homage at the Chapel of the Apparitions and see the basilica.
Coimbra: Guided by your Local expert, head through Old Town and pass by the Old Cathedral and the Almedina neighbourhood.
Coimbra: With a Local Expert, visit the University and witness the triumphal arches, painted ceilings, golden flourishes and walls of ancient tomes.
Guimaraes: Enjoy views from the Visigothic castle ruins and explore a maze of medieval streets in the Old Quarter.
"I love taking guests to Monsaraz because It's one of the many villages lost in time. It's not easy for guests to find on their own and they feel like they're visiting a secret paradise."
Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.
From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
Lagos: Explore this coastal town nestled on Meia Praia, with your Travel Director.
Évora: With your Travel Director explore the ancient city of Évora and visit the fascinating Capela dos Ossos, meaning the Chapel of Bones, a chapel decorated with human remains.
Obidos: Lead by your Travel Director, walk through the picturesque narrow streets up to the main square of this ancient walled town.
Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.
Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.
Destinations
Map
Attractions
Daily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Arrival in Lisbon
- Lisbon - Arrival day
- More
Upon arrival at Lisbon International Airport, enjoy complimentary transfers to your hotel. Settle in and relax before joining your Travel Director for a delightful dinner at a local restaurant. This evening offers a wonderful opportunity to meet your fellow travelers over delicious food and wine.
Day 2 – Day 2: Exploring Lisbon
- Lisbon
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- Monumento Natural dos Lagosteiros
- Praia do Castelo
- Park Outeiro dos Cucos
- Jerónimos Monastery
- Belém Tower
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Embark on a guided tour with a Local Expert, exploring Lisbon's Lower Town, passing through the historic Bairro Alto, and visiting the Terreiro do Paço. Marvel at the iconic Belém Tower and the Monument to the Discoveries. Savor a traditional Pastéis de Belém pastry and visit the stunning Cloister of Jeronimos Monastery. In the evening, delve deeper into Portuguese culture with an optional dinner experience.
Day 3 – Day 3: Journey to Lagos
- Lagos
- Lisbon
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Cross the River Tagus and head to the sun-kissed southern coast, arriving at the charming fishing port of Lagos. Enjoy free time to explore before continuing to your resort hotel set within a magnificent 360-acre estate. Relish the simplicity and freshness of Algarve cuisine, with specialized seafood restaurants just a short walk away.
Day 4 – Day 4: Discovering Évora
- Beja
- Luz
- Évora
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- Royal Palace of Évora
- Door Santa Catarina
- Chapel of Bones (Évora)
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Travel to the medieval walled city of Évora, a living museum of Portugal's rich history. With a Local Expert, explore the Roman Temple, the Capela dos Ossos, and the Évora Cathedral. Spend the afternoon at leisure, perhaps strolling through Évora’s historical center or relaxing in the serene city park.
Day 5 – Day 5: Exploring Monsaraz and Lake Alqueva
- Monsaraz
- Évora
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- Museu do Mármore Raquel de Castro
- Observatório do Lago Alqueva (OLA)
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Visit the picturesque village of Monsaraz, perched on a hilltop and surrounded by olive groves and vineyards. Admire the views from the castle ruins and enjoy a leisurely cruise on Lake Alqueva. Savor a delicious lunch at Sem Fim, a local restaurant housed in a former olive mill. Return to Évora for an evening at leisure.
Day 6 – Day 6: Wine Tasting and Pilgrimage Sites
- Tomar
- Évora
- Batalha
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- Castle of Redondo
- Baloiço da Ladeira
- Chapel of the Apparitions
- Synagogue
- Convent of Christ
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Start your day with a wine tasting at Casa Relvas, a winery known for its innovative techniques. Travel to Fátima, a renowned pilgrimage site, and visit the basilica and Chapel of the Apparitions. Continue to Tomar to explore the Templar Castle and Convent of Christ, and visit the well-preserved medieval Synagogue of Tomar.
Day 7 – Day 7: Coimbra and the Douro Valley
- Coimbra
- Tomar
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- Miradouro da Vitória
- Turismo da Universidade de Coimbra
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In Coimbra, a Local Expert will guide you through the Old Town and the University of Coimbra, including its impressive baroque library. Continue your journey past verdant hills and lush vineyards along the Douro River. Enjoy a farm-to-table lunch, freshly prepared from locally sourced ingredients, accompanied by a port wine tasting.
Day 8 – Day 8: Guimarães and Porto
- Porto
- Coimbra
- Guimarães
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- Luís I Bridge
- Convento dos Loios
- Castle of Guimarães
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Travel to Guimarães to explore the historic castle and charming streets. Continue to Porto, Portugal’s second city and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Choose between a guided visit to São Bento Railway Station and a walk along the Dom Luís I Bridge, or a panoramic drive through the city. In the evening, enjoy leisure time at your boutique hotel or opt for a traditional Rabelo boat cruise and dinner.
Day 9 – Day 9: Leisure Day in Porto
- Porto
- Braga
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Enjoy a full day at your own pace in Porto. Stroll through the city to admire the multi-colored houses and beautifully tiled churches. Consider a visit to Braga, the capital of baroque. In the evening, savor a delectable dinner with wine at an authentic Porto restaurant.
Day 10 – Day 10: Óbidos and Return to Lisbon
- Lisbon
- Porto
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- Castle of Óbidos
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Journey to the fortified town of Óbidos, where you can explore the narrow, flower-adorned medieval streets within its walls. Continue your travels back to Lisbon, the vibrant capital of Portugal.
Day 11 – Day 11: Departure from Lisbon
- Lisbon - Departure day
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After a hearty breakfast, transfer to Lisbon International Airport for your onward journey. Reflect on the unforgettable experiences and memories made during your multi-day tour of Portugal.
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